HUNTINGDON S campaign to raise thousands of pounds for new Christmas lights has already reached £9,000 since it was launched in the summer. The funds have already helped purchase some new lights for the town and these will be lit up on Sunday, November 25

HUNTINGDON'S campaign to raise thousands of pounds for new Christmas lights has already reached £9,000 since it was launched in the summer.

The funds have already helped purchase some new lights for the town and these will be lit up on Sunday, November 25, with the town mayor, Cllr Jennifer Sarabia, doing the honours.

The afternoon will also feature entertainment, including a visit from Father Christmas, music and an adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in the Market Square.

This is the first year the town has been running its 500 club, a campaign to raise £10,000 each year for Huntingdon's Christmas lights, which was launched in August.

Already the funds have reached an impressive £9,000.

The club offers 500 people the chance to take part in a monthly prize draw. The contest has now been drawn for the first time and three October winners from Huntingdon, Jenni Stratford, Bryan Houghton and Vincent Thompson bagging prizes of £300, £150 and £50.

The lights fund was also boosted by £1,600 from a fundraising dinner at The George Hotel in Huntingdon, organised by the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership.

The money raised by people from local businesses and the town council included £490 raised at an auction and £500 raised by a raffle at the event.

This year's Christmas lights switch-on is at 4.30pm. The entertainment, which starts at 2pm, includes Santa in his grotto, invited to the town by Hinchingbrooke Rotary Club and raising money for local good causes. Entry is £2 per child and includes a gift.

The big switch-on, organised by Huntingdon Town Partnership and the town council, will be compered by Tom and Emma from Q103's breakfast show.

There will be performances in the Market Square including an adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, presented by Huntingdon Youth Theatre, and a concert by Huntingdonshire Music School, entertainment from the drama school, Stage Coach, and a presentation by Churches Together.

INFORMATION: There are still some 500 Club tickets available for £2 each. They can be bought each month in batches for six months or a year. Cheques should be made out to Huntingdon Town Centre 500 Club and sent to Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, 10A Princes Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3PA.